2006 Topps - Ian Kinsler

The Rangers announced today that they have signed Ian Kinsler to a five year contract. Seems like a sound move to me. To mark the moment I have selected Ian's 2006 Topps card, number 632, as the card of the day. Sorry that it didn't scan better, too much foil on some of these newer releases. The back of the card informs us that, as of the release date, Ian had no major league playing experience. In three years in the minors he put up a .304 batting average with 44 home runs and 207 RBI. It also tells us that Kinsler was originally a shortstop but got moved to second in 2005 when it looked like Alfonso Soriano might be leaving.

Kinsler shows a lot of promise as a young player. As the card says on the back, it might be his chance to shine. It is nice to see Texas locking him in for a long term deal. Hopefully the middle infield of Kinsler and Young will be a productive offensive and defensive duo for Texas. That and you have to like a guy who wears his socks old school.